Sydney Uni staff divided over the Ramsay Centre

A survey of Sydney University academics' views on a Ramsay Centre-funded degree in western civilisation has revealed almost as many staff support as oppose it.

Amid vocal opposition to the degree from some academics, the university surveyed staff to find out their views on a memorandum of understanding that was designed to protect university autonomy if the deal goes ahead.

An analysis of the feedback by opponents of the Ramsay Centre found that 233 of the 500 respondents clearly indicated they were opposed to a deal, 223 indicated they would support it, and 44 did not provide a clear answer.

University of Sydney staff are divided over the Ramsay Centre.

The memorandum would give Sydney University full control over the curriculum, staffing and teaching of the degree, although one academic member of the centre would be on the appointment panel for new staff.

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If it is finalised by university management, the MOU will be put to the Ramsay Centre, which is chaired by John Howard and has become controversial because of the pro-western views of board member, former prime minister Tony Abbott.

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If the centre accepts the MOU, the university will design a curriculum that would have to be approved by the academic board.

Staff were asked whether the MOU was enough to protect academic freedom, and whether there was anything in it that they wanted to add or remove. They were not asked to directly state their position on a Ramsay deal.

Most asked to remain anonymous.

Supporters included a senior academic from the Conservatorium of Music who approved of the MOU, saying the conditions "do not represent any possibility of jeopardising what we do". One academic described the MOU as fine, although the "poor punctuation was distressing".

Another said the deal "absolutely" had his support. "If only other programs at the university were subject to the same conditions and reviews."

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But others were worried. "I am uneasy about the political context in which this proposal is being put," said one opponent. Another feared the faculty would be beholden to the Ramsay Centre. "I would like the ENTIRE MOU withdrawn and shredded as soon as possible."

When asked which provision they would like to see removed, the most common answer was the Ramsay staff member on the hiring committee. However, others said they understood why that was necessary.

University management will now consider the responses to the survey.

Opponents will hold a public meeting outlining their opposition to a Ramsay-funded degree on October 29. Opponent Nick Riemer said the number of opponents would have been higher if the survey had been sent only to the arts faculty rather than the whole university.